Disentangling Spain’s new medical prescription co-payment process

The new co-payments system has been functioning since July 1 and it is now clear that:

• Pensioners with an income below €18,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €8 per month.
• Pensioners with an income above €18,000 but below €100,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €18 per month.
• Pensioners with an income above €100,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €60 per month.
• Non-pensioners with an income below €18,000 pay 40% toward the cost with no maximum.
• Non-pensioners with an income above €18,000 but below €100,000 pay 50% toward the cost with no maximum.
• Non-pensioners with an income above €100,000 pay 60% toward the cost with no maximum.

Your income is established through your annual resident tax declaration (IRPF). If you haven’t made one of these you will always be charged a set percentage and will not be eligible for any reimbursement once your maximum payment has been reached.

In order to get your money back if you’ve made your IRPF and you’ve gone over your €8 or €18 limit there is a process to go through. This varies according to which region you live in. Here’s what you must do if you live in Valencia, for example:

1) Keep all your receipts for the medication you’ve paid for and a copy of the prescriptions.

2) Collect two forms from either the health ministry or by downloading them from the internet:

• Modelo de domiciliación bancaria – includes your bank details, address and contact details http://www.lafe.san.gva.es/gesteco_docs/modelo%20alta%20tercero.pdf
• Modelo solicitud general – includes your request http://www.san.gva.es/cas/prof/dgf/farmacia/pdf/MODELO_SOLICITUD_GENERAL.pdf

3) Complete the forms with your details and attach a:

• Photocopy of the receipts from the pharmacy
• Photocopy of your passport
• Photocopy of your residencia (green paper)
• Photocopy of your SIP card (both sides)

4) Take both forms, a copy of the forms and attachments to either your nearest post office or town hall – also take the originals of the documents listed above with you.

5) In three months the additional money you’ve paid out should be returned to your bank account.

As mentioned, the process varies between regions and you will need to contact your own health office to establish exactly which process applies to you.